Gunmen hunted after car sprayed with bullets

HOUSES and a car were sprayed with bullets after a drive-by shooting. Police raced to the scene in Newton Heath after shots had been fired on Briscoe Lane and Scotland Hall Road. A Mercedes car had been hit at a number of times and police said two nearby houses on Scotland Hall Road had also sustained gunshot damage.

Police raced to the scene in Newton Heath after shots had been fired on Briscoe Lane and Scotland Hall Road.

A Mercedes car had been hit at a number of times and police said two nearby houses on Scotland Hall Road had also sustained gunshot damage.

There were no reports of any injuries. Police have now launched an investigation over the incident, which took place at about 6.40pm on Monday.

Armed response officers found a number of bullet casings.

Briscoe Lane, between its junctions with Ten Acres and Crawford Road, was closed while the scenes were examined and high visibilty patrols are now in the area to provide reassurance to residents.

Local Newton Heath Liberal Democrat councillor Damien O’Connor has called for an urgent meeting with senior police officers to discuss a way forward.

He said: "There has been a number of isolated gun and knife incidents in Newton Heath and we need to make sure that this is not allowed to escalate."

Labour councillor John Flanagan said he was reassured by the speed of the police response. He added: "It’s worrying that this has happened in the daylight, when children are playing out in the streets."

He said he and colleagues on the council would visit homes to provide reassurance.

He added: "I know many people will feel terrified and worried about what has happened in their neighbourhood. Following my conversations with senior police officers, I am confident they won’t leave a stone unturned in bringing those responsible to justice."

Detective Chief Inspector Jacqui Pendlebury, of north Manchester CID, reassured residents that incidents like this are rare: "These shots were fired in broad daylight in a busy residential area, so I am convinced a number of people will have information for us."